COMMUNIQUE: Communiqué from the National Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) Conference

On behalf of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA)-Kenya and all partners and stakeholders, we are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the National Women Rights Organizations (WROs) Conference held on 14th and 15th November 2024. This landmark event brought together a diverse coalition of over 200 women-led organizations and leaders from all 47 counties of Kenya, committed to the advancement of women’s rights and the eradication of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in our society.

Summary

The conference provided a vital platform for discussions on the pressing issues facing women in Kenya, focusing on the transformational role of women’s leadership in navigating the evolving socio-political landscape. The sessions delved into critical areas such as the Two-Thirds Gender Rule, femicide, political instability, and the judicial challenges hindering the full participation of women in governance, leadership, and decision-making processes.

Key Highlights and Outcomes

• 1. Strengthening Networks and Advocacy: We renewed our collective commitment to building a strong, unified movement for women’s rights across Kenya. The conference emphasized the importance of solidarity among Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) to amplify our voices in the ongoing efforts to combat SGBV and systemic inequality.
• 2. Legal and Policy Recommendations: A key outcome of the conference was the development of actionable legal and policy recommendations aimed at empowering women’s participation in governance. These recommendations will be presented to the Ministry of Public Service, Gender, and Affirmative Action, political parties, and election management bodies in preparation for the 2027 General Elections, where we strive for greater representation of women in all their diversities in elective and appointive positions.
• 3. Commitment to a Gender-Responsive Legal Framework: The WROs reaffirmed the urgency of addressing the systemic challenges women face within Kenya’s political, social, and legal frameworks. We collectively called for stronger policy interventions to combat femicide, SGBV, and broader gender-based inequality issues that persist in our society.
• 4. Emerging Trends and Policy Advocacy: The conference also focused on emerging trends in women’s political participation and SGBV, calling for enhanced efforts to raise awareness and implement preventive measures. A robust dialogue platform was created for continued engagement between policymakers, legal experts, and women’s rights organizations to drive systemic change and gender equity.
• 5. Preparation for 2027 General Elections: The conference outlined a roadmap for enhancing women’s political participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections. This includes prioritizing women’s leadership training, mentorship programs, and awareness campaigns to ensure more women are elected and have the tools and support to succeed in leadership roles at all levels.

Actionable Next Steps

Moving forward, we will continue to foster collaboration among WROs, aiming to expand women’s influence in all spheres of governance, policy-making, and societal transformation. The following actions will be prioritized:

1. 1. Advocacy for the enforcement of the Two-Thirds Gender Rule and the elimination of gender-based violence.
2. 2. Strengthening women’s representation at local, national, and international levels.
3. 3. Ongoing mentorship and capacity-building programs for newly elected women leaders.
4. 4. Enhanced focus on women’s safety, both physically and digitally, in public life.

Closing Remarks

As we move forward, we are inspired by the unwavering resolve of women leaders across Kenya, who have continued challenging patriarchal structures and creating pathways for meaningful change. The National Women Rights Organizations Conference was a moment to reflect on our achievements and a call to action, reminding us that the future of women’s leadership requires our collective action, solidarity, and commitment to creating safe and equitable spaces for women and girls.

We call upon all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, to support our ongoing efforts and contribute to realising a gender-equal Kenya.